2025 Instructors

brenda castles – int/adv concertina

Brenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and honed her concertina skills under the tutelage of Mícheál Ó’Raghallaigh. With two solo albums showcasing her mastery of Irish music on the concertina, Brenda is a seasoned performer and often graced stages alongside Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America. Notable recent performances include headlining solo concerts at Temple Bar TradFest, Meath Beo, the Pipers Club, Earth Rising and the Consairtín festival in Ennis. Beyond her musical endeavours, Brenda has delved into the realm of film, creating and producing the evocative short film ‘Plight of the Bumble Bee,’ complete with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition.

Máirtín de Cógáin – storytelling

Máirtín de Cógáin is a singing, dancing, tale-spinning bodhrán player, playwright and actor descended from a long line of storytellers with two All-Ireland titles for Storytelling under his belt. Máirtín grew up in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, where house parties were frequent, and everyone had to have their “party piece” to perform. His father Barry taught him nearly all he knows, along with great yarnspinners like Éamon Kelly, Pat ‘the Hat’ Speith, Bob Jennings, Éamonn de Barra and many more.

Máirtín is also a true promoter of the Ballad and learned from many famous Irish singers such as Danni Maichi Ua Súilleabháin, Séamus Mac Mathúna, and Ciarán Dwyer. A fluent speaker of Irish (Gaelic), he grew up in a bilingual home and later earned a degree in the Irish language from University College Cork. Máirtín has taught the art of storytelling at many festivals and camps, including the Catskills Irish Arts Week, The Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Irish Week, Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival as well as major US festivals including the Kansas City Irish Fest, Milwaukee Irish Fest, CelticFest Mississippi, Minnesota Irish Fair, and La Crosse IrishFest. Máirtín is delighted to be back at the Gathering and looking forward to exploring deeper into the tradition www.mairtinmusic.com

John Doyle – guitar/accompaniment

From a musical family in Dublin, John’s influences include well known English folk singers Nic Jones, Martin Carthy, Richard Thompson, and The Watersons; Scottish singers Dick Gaughan and John Martin; and fellow Irishmen Paul Brady and Al O’Donnell as well as his father, Sean Doyle – probably the biggest influence of all. John went on the road as a pro at 16 with the group Chanting House which he formed with Susan McKeown and which eventually included such great players as Seamus Egan, Eileen Ivers, & Donogh Hennessy. John went on to form the highly acclaimed super group, Solas, with Seamus Egan, John Williams, Karan Casey and Winifred Horan which took the folk and Celtic music worlds by storm, in no small part due to John’s powerhouse rhythmic guitar style and innovative arrangements. As a member of Solas, John performed to sold out audiences nationally and internationally as well as appearing on many national TV and radio programs: NBC’s The Today Show, various programs for National Public Radio and Public Radio International, A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, E-Town and World Cafe as part of that critically acclaimed group, he also received three NAIRD awards and a Grammy nomination for the band’s self-titled first recording.

After leaving Solas, John has gone on to perform and tour with other greats in the Folk, Celtic and Bluegrass worlds – as music director for folk icon Joan Baez, guitarist for Mary Chapin Carpenter, Eileen Ivers, Tim O’Brien (John was included on Tim’s 2006 Grammy-award winning CD, Fiddler’s Green), Linda Thompson, Kate Rusby, Cathie Ryan, Cherish the Ladies, and many others. He has appeared on soundtracks for the feature film, The Brothers McMullan, Soldier, PBS’s Out of Ireland and also composed the music for the film Uncle Robert’s Footsteps and the play Down the Flats as well as performing on countless recordings as guitarist and/or singer for other notable artists such as Kate Rusby, Linda Thompson, Tim O’Brien, Alison Brown, Seamus Egan, Eileen Ivers, Mick Moloney, Cathal McConnell, Karan Casey and so many others (check out the discography page for a full list). John is a featured regular for many years in the hugely popular BBC Scotland “Transatlantic Sessions” regularly broadcast in Ireland and at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow having performed there with Americana greats Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Rodney Crowell, Sara Watkins, Kathy Mattea, and many others.

Colin Farrell – Int/Adv Whistle

Colin was born in Manchester, England, into a very musical family. His parents are from Co.Galway and Co.Cavan. Colin started playing the fiddle and tin whistle from an early age and has made a name for himself performing and recording with an array of great musicians in Europe and the US, including such groups as Flook, Grada, Karen Casey, John Doyle, The Elders, Julie Fowlis, Tim O’Brien, The Michael McGoldrick Band, The Ashley Davis Band, Off Kilter and has been touring with the Irish traditional supergroup Lúnasa for the last 12 years.

Colin is also a composer whose tunes have been played and recorded by numerous bands and musicians. In 2005, Colin was awarded a Masters Degree in Music from Limerick University. Living in Florida since 2005, when not touring, Colin has been teaching at schools and various camps around the US and Europe. Colin’s 2010 solo debut album ‘On The Move’ was named one of the years 10 best albums by The Irish Echo and his second album ‘Make A Note’ released in 2015 was awarded Instrumental Album of the year by LiveIreland.

Katie Geringer – fiddle Fundamentals

Katie Geringer is a classical violinist turned Irish fiddler based in Houston, TX. An initial departure from her classical training led Katie down a path of performing bluegrass and old-time music in north Florida and around the southeast where she grew up. Once acclimated to the folk music world, she quickly gravitated towards Irish music and began listening, learning, and imitating as much as she could from recordings of notable players in the genre.

Katie attended Florida State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Certificate of Violin Performance. After teaching public school orchestra for several years, Katie’s love of Irish music led her to Ireland where she attended the University of Limerick and completed a master’s degree in Traditional Irish Music Performance. While in Ireland, Katie competed in the Limerick County Fleadh and was awarded first place in the senior division.

A passionate, thoughtful, and in-demand teacher, Katie has enjoyed teaching in a variety of settings like summer camps, in-school Irish music workshops, a collegiate Irish Ensemble at Florida State University, and the Houston School of Irish Music. She has also presented at the American String Teacher’s Association national conference on teaching Irish music authentically in the classroom. Katie is certified to teach the Rolland Method (Level 1), a teaching method that uses healthy, relaxed movement to promote ease and fluidity in string playing, and maintains an active private studio of both classical and Irish fiddle students.

Therese Honey – harp

Childhood fascination with the harp blossomed into an exciting and successful career as a professional harpist and recording artist for this Houston native. As a self-proclaimed “crusader for music of great heritage”, Honey draws on her vast knowledge of early music history and her stunning virtuosity to bring alive for her audiences the incredibly beautiful music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Honey’s unique specialization keeps her in demand for lectures, concerts and festival engagements across the United States. With a vast and varied repertoire that includes familiar classical and popular favorites, she is a first choice for performances at social occasions as a soloist or with chamber groups.

Therese Honey delights and entertains her listeners when she performs on any one of her collection of harps, which range in size from the modern gold Concert Grand harp to the ancient Celtic harp.

Therese Honey is a specialist in Celtic and Early harps, with a background in classical pedal harp. Therese tours throughout the United States and in 1997 she performed at the 20th Annual Carolan Festival in Keadue, Co. Roscommon, Ireland.Therese performs early music in the Houston area as well as with the Texas Early Music Project (TEMP). She presents concerts of Medieval and Renaissance music on copies of historical harps and wire-strung and other folk harps of ancient design.

She performs traditional music solo and as a member of Wyndnwyre, with an emphasis on the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales and 13th-century Medieval music. Therese occasionally joins forces with Istanpitta for performances of Medieval music.

She has an active teaching studio in the Houston area and tours throughout the US as a clinician and adjudicator.

In addition to her private studio, Therese teaches workshops on Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic repertoire, arranging and style, and Harp Ensemble. She is a dynamic teacher who inspires and motivates her students to learn more about the harp: its technique, repertoire and history.

Davil Howley – Int/Adv Banjo & Mandolin

David Howley is a celebrated Irish musician, vocalist, and educator who has performed with Grammy winners like The Chieftains, Mumford & Sons, and Bela Fleck. As a co-founder and lead songwriter of We Banjo 3, David helped elevate the band to international success, with their seven albums receiving numerous accolades, including a Billboard Chart World #1 and the Songlines Top of the World Award. He is also a three-time All-Ireland champion, a testament to his mastery.
In addition to his extensive touring and recording career, David is passionate about teaching and sharing his craft. He regularly instructs at prestigious music programs such as the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat and the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School. His teaching connects traditional Irish music with students across the globe, fostering a new generation of musicians.
David’s performance highlights include appearances for Irish Presidents and the US President, as well as leading festivals like Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Connections, and Tønder Festival. His deep connection to Irish heritage and storytelling continues to inspire audiences and students alike.

Paul Mc Clure – Int/Adv Bodhrán

Paul McClure is a 2x All Ireland Bodhrán champion, originally from Buncrana, Co. Donegal, but now based in Galway.
A full time music teacher and musician, Paul has become one of the most sought after Bodhrán teachers in the country, with 1000+ students under his belt to date, as well as dozens of workshops and master classes at festivals both home and abroad.
As a musician, he has toured around Europe and played such festivals as Lorient festival interceltique, Festival de Ortiguera, and Electric Picnic as highlights.
An in demand recording session player, Paul has recorded with many artists on several albums spanning numerous genres, from Traditional Irish music to contemporary folk all the way to electronic music.
He has recently developed his new online Patreon Page where he delivers in depth Bodhrán tutorials, catering for all abilities, helping those who may not have access to a teacher to be able to learn and expand their knowledge and expertise in Bodhrán playing.

Michael Mc Goldrick – Int/Adv Flute

Michael McGoldrick is an influential Irish flute, low whistle and uilleann pipe player from Manchester who has been a prominent figure in the folk music scene since the early 1990s. He has a uniquely creative style of flute playing, flowing and ornamented with use of “blue notes” and outside influences, all while staying anchored in the Irish tradition.
Growing up in a family with a strong Irish heritage, McGoldrick was exposed to traditional Irish music from a young age. This early exposure played a significant role in shaping his musical style. He started playing the tin whistle before moving on to the flute. He was a member of the band Toss the Feathers while still in his teens, where he began to gain recognition for his talent.
Over the years, McGoldrick has been involved in various bands and collaborations. He co-founded the influential band Flook and later joined Capercaillie, a Scottish folk band. His collaborations extend beyond traditional Irish music, working with artists in genres ranging from rock to world music.
McGoldrick has released several solo albums which have been well-received. His solo work often showcases his skill in both traditional Irish music and his ability to blend this with other genres.
While primarily known for his flute playing, McGoldrick is also proficient in other instruments, including the uilleann pipes and the low whistle. His style is noted for its creativity and innovation, often incorporating elements of jazz and other musical traditions into his playing. He has received numerous accolades for his musicianship, including awards from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and other organizations recognizing folk music.

Robert Shaddox – beginning bodhrán

Robert traveled to Cork as a young man and fell in love with the traditional music that his host family played. He has been playing bodhrán for over 25 years and has studied with bodhrán stalwarts such as Mark Stone, Albert Alfonzo and Anna Colliton. 

Robert was the bodhránist with Houston’s premier traditional Irish band, The Jig Is Up!, for the ten years of its existence. He is now featured with Houston’s newest traditional Irish band, “Hup! and is the bodhran instructor for the Houston School of Irish Music.

Robert is an Occupational Therapist by profession and has worked extensively in the rehabilitation of physical disability, psychiatric illness and industrial injury. He is a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist who has given multiple presentations to industry regarding the prevention of repetitive stress and ergonomic injuries. For four years Robert was an Adjunct Professor in the School Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. He has also led classes at The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat on how to prevent musician’s repetitive injuries. 

Caitlin Warbelow – int/adv fiddle

Caitlin Warbelow hails from a family of entrepreneurs and bush pilots in Alaska and currently serves as violinist/fiddler in the original Broadway cast of the Tony award winning and Grammy nominated musical “Come From Away.” She leads the new Trad ensemble “Warbelow Range.” Her live album of Irish Trad in Manhattan pubs Manhattan Island Sessions was nominated for an Independent Music Award in 2011.

An All-Ireland winner and New England Fiddle Champion who holds degrees from Columbia University (B.A Anthropology, and B. Music, Violin Performance) Caitlin’s versatility and expertise lies not only in music but also in business, scientific research, data analysis, writing, community organizing and activism.

Caitlin is on the faculty of the Manhattan Irish Arts Center Irish Arts Center , and is artistic coordinator for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival Celtic Program. She is an instructor at the Swannanoa Gathering and Far North Fiddle Festival and maintains a large private teaching studio in Manhattan.Caitlin performs and tours as solo artist with numerous ensembles and as Symphony soloist.

Caitlin is co-founder of Tune Supply